The word transition automatically implies change. Webster defines transition this way: a passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another: b: a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another. It is the act of preparing to do things in a different manner. It is the state of moving from one place to another or from one thing or task to another.
As this year draws to an end we are transitioning into the new year. Naturally, many things are taking place as we prepare for the new year. Some customs include giving your home a thorough cleaning, discarding things we no longer have any use for, perhaps checking the freezer for items that need to be disposed of etc. Businesses take inventory of what products are left, which did well and which did not. Accountants review their financial books to determine where they stand financially.
This year we have a transition of power in the White House. President Obama has extended his hand to assist President-elect Donald Trump in making this transition. President Obama states he is willing to do all that it takes to assist President-elect Trump because it is important for him to do well that our nation made do well. He understands that this transition is more important than his personal beliefs/opinions about the incoming President.
Sometimes things change in our health and we transition to doing things in a different manner because of new limitations. For example, someone who has suffered a stroke can not move about as they had previously. They must change their surrounding and other things to accommodate their new situation.
Spiritually as we transition into the new year it is a time to take inventory. Some things we need to discard, place a new priority on, repurpose or let go entirely. Is there a relationship that has proven to be toxic? Are there relationships that brought hurt, embarrassment, shame or disappointments? You must not let those things cause you to be bitter or lose hope. Forgiveness must be a part of your transition into the new year.
Now, please understand the principle of forgiveness. Forgiveness allows you to release that person from bondage but more importantly forgiveness allow you to be forgiven. It allows you to maintain and strengthen your personal relationship with the savior. So forgiveness is never really about the person that has cause harm but it is about you being set free to move on. Forgiveness does not mean that you must embrace that person and allow them to continue to be a toxic influence in your life. NO, forgive, move on and learn to love from a distance.
Are there things or tasks that you took on that has been spiritually draining? Jesus declares Matt 11:29-30. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. If you are falling down under the burden then it is not of God. It is a false burden.
Reevaluate and make changes. Acknowledge God in all your ways and he will direct your steps. He will establish you. It is okay and even necessary at times to say “No, I am sorry I can not accept that responsibility at this time or my plate is full I simply can’t do that at this time. Too many times we are concerned that someone will think poorly of us or consider us uncooperative if we decline a task.
Are there things you really wanted to do or made resolutions to do but failed to do so? For example, did you resolve to read the Bible more, pray more etc? Do you feel like a failure because you failed to achieve that task? Don’t beat yourself up.
REEVALUATE. Determine how to achieve those things that will build you up spiritually. Sit down and write down a schedule that will allow you achieve those things that will build you up spiritually. For example set a dedicated time to read, study, meditate and pray. Get up a little earlier, go to bed a little later, read/pray during your lunch hour. You don’t have to always pray on your knees. Play a Bible CD or spiritually uplifting CD while driving. Church work is a necessity but so is Kingdom work. REEVALUATE.
When making a transition it is not necessary to discard everything. You can build on learned lessons and use them as stepping stones to the next level. Even what is perceived as failure can be taken and use to help us succeed in the next level. A favorite saying of one of my mentors, Evangelist Margaret Tipton was “chew the meat and spit out the bones” In other words choose what is useful and get rid of what is not.
SPEAK THE ANSWER NOT THE PROBLEM. THE ANSWER IS THE WORD OF GOD. Heavenly father, we thank you for your son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Life is full of swift transitions but we can hold on to your unchanging hands. Let the mind of Christ be in us, your Holy Spirit guides and direct us as we transition from one year to the next, from one season to the next.
We are grateful that we can depend on you to be the same, yesterday, today and forever more. Help us to grow and mature in you. Let us be a quick learner of the things you want to teach us. Everything you allow to take place in our lives has a purpose so we ask that you help us to embrace all of life’s lessons with certainty that it is working for our good because we do love you.
You have proven yourself to be faithful in forgiving us for our mistakes and so we ask that you continue the cleansing process, the purging process that we may be as pure gold. Teach our fingers to war, let our heart be strong, our mind determined to please you so that we may be the broken yielded vessels fit for your use. God help us to live a life that is well pleasing to you and as we transition into the new year help us to be a terror to the enemy. For this cause we bow our knees to you and glorify your Holy Name for all power belongs to you.
God reminder to let him be “I AM” in our lives.
This year we are even more determined to hear your voice and let you be “I AM” in our lives.
